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Today I am exploring the trend that has taken 2017 by storm…patches. Like most current trends, patches aren’t new by any means but they have definitely made a big splash recently adorning everything from caps to bags to shoes.

Bag by Anya Hindmarch, Boots by Shop Deco and hat from Forever 21

One of my favourite looks with this trend is on denim jackets so I decided to DIY my own. Due to the massive popularity of patches, they are now widely available in craft stores, book stores, trendy clothing stores… you name it. And, they are often quite cheap.

I resurrected a cropped light wash denim jacket from my past and decided to give it a 2017 update with some patches.

WHAT YOU NEED

1. Denim jacket

2. Patches

The jacket

The patches

WHAT TO DO

1) Lay the patches out on the jacket and play around with the arrangement.

Lay out patches

2) Read the instructions for the patches CAREFULLY! –Most patches can be stuck or sewn on but some can’t be stuck (I learnt this the hard way). Additionally, if you stick rather than sew, the garment can’t be washed so bear that in mind. I chose to stick mine on because I hope to recycle the jacket again.

Follow patch instructions

3) Apply the patches– If you’re sticking them on it won’t take very long but if you’re sewing it will obviously take longer.

Then you’re done!

I just love this trend. I think it’s so great that you can inject your own personality into your fashion and it’s super fun, easy and affordable. This could work great on a backpack or a pair of denim shorts or whatever you like.

Hopefully you find some inspiration from this post and hoping you have an awesome day!

Hello and happy summer. I have a smattering of a few things I’ve been using and look forward to continue using as the hottest months of the year approach.

Clothing

Bomber jacket

You’re probably thinking…how can a jacket be the first thing I talk about in a summer centered post. But hear me out. Most contemporary bomber jackets which are super trending this year are actually quite lightweight meaning they are just right for a cooler summer night or if you will be indoors where ac will be blasting to no end.

I picked up this olive green (khaki some call it) one with beautiful pink rose patches from T J Maxx. The brand is Love Tree and this cost about $34 US. I love the look of bomber jackets and I love this more traditional colour but the pop of pink floral really speaks to my personality.
Hair, Lips and Skin

Garnier Whole Blends smoothing oil

This is Garnier’s more modern line of hair products focusing on using more natural ingredients. I’ve tried a number of these products and I would say overall they are just okay. However the standout is the “Coconut oil and cocoa butter” line particularly the hair butter and this little nugget here:smoothing oil. I have very curly hair and we all know that curly hair is thirsty (pronounced THUUURRRSTEE) and constantly craves moisture. I use this oil as part of my post wash treatment and occasionally when I want to give my tresses a little extra shine.

Nivea Lip Butter

An oldie with a new spin. Back when I was a wee lass Nivea came in a flat blue tin and it’s distinctly scented thick oily texture was my jam. I’m happy to see this company is still making products. This lip butter is literally that. The texture is soft with a lot of slip and it coats the lips well. And it smells really good. Like, really really good.

The Body Shop Almond, Milk and Honey Body Butter

I picked this up at the Body Shop kiosk at the Charlotte NC airport (the staff was so nice and helpful btw). It was a bit of an impulse purchase as I was trying to kill time before my flight. But it turned out to be a great purchase. As with most Body shop body butters the formula is thick yet soft and not too heavy. Perfect texture. The scent is beautiful, it smells just enough of honey, not too much, not too little.

Makeup

NYX Jumbo eye sticks

I picked up these cute jumbo eye pencils a couple weeks ago. I’ve recently become more open about the types of makeup I use wanting to try different varieties of things. These are cool. You can basically draw on your eyeshadow! I got a couple of my favourite colours ; muted jewel tones and a gold for a bright pop.

Fragrance- room

Bath and Body Works Tobacco Flower candle

This BBW candle is my pick for this summer. Tobacco flower is actually used in many perfumes and fragrances and with good reason. The scent is rich and complex and really adds ambience. This is great to light in the evening when you’re relaxing with a book.

Fragrance- body

Dahlia and Vines rollerball by Nest

I bought this little Nest rollerball in a set of six. Nest makes beautiful but pricey fragrances so this was my way to sample the brand. This fragrance is my favourite. It smells clean and fresh with just a hint of sweet floral. Because it’s so small I often toss this in my bag with me when I’m going out for the day and reapply if I need to.

Tutti Dolci White Mocha Kiss from BBW

I was surprised to see this line in BBW. I remember it or a similarly named line from about 10 years ago and I don’t recall seeing it since then. Until now that is. The Tutti Dolci line is meant to be a sweet candy inspired set of fragrances from what I can tell. This one: White Mocha Kiss is my favourite in fact I plan to repurchase a full size. It literally smells like a white chocolate mocha drink. I think of it as a more grown up vanilla fragrance and I use it under all my perfumes. 10 out of 10 would recommend.

Those are my summer things. Hope you enjoyed reading and hope you have an awesome day!

Tassels hand pom Poms have long adorned clothing and accessories. From the ends of strings on a peasant blouse to decorating the perimeter of bohemian style cushions. For the past three springs and summers tassels and pom poms have been out in full force, dotting otherwise mundane items with dots and splashes of colour and texture. I actually thought this trend was winding down but look and behold it continues to be ever present from runway to the racks of fast fashion stores.

This trend is easy to wear. You can make any look fun and bright with tassels and pom poms, going from zero to vacation mode in seconds. You can shell out some serious coin for a designer item or pick up something more affordable from off price retailers or fast fashion boutiques. OR, you could DIY!

That’s exactly what I did. I decorated a pair of espadrilles, a cross body bag and made a necklace.

Necklace

WHAT YOU NEED

Length of leather, rope or chain.

Embroidery thread or floss.

Jump rings

WHAT TO DO

1. Take a length of the thread and wrap it around three fingers multiple times. The more you wrap, the thicker the tassel will be. Alternately, you can use a square of card board, the with determining the length of the tassel.

2. Cut a short piece of the embroidery thread and tie it approximately 1/4 way down the tassel. Make a few wraps then tie off.

3.Thread a piece of the embroidery thread through the top loop and tie off. Add a jump rings and knot.

4.Cut off all the loose ends, then trim the bottom loop to create the fringe.

5.I repeated this twice using different colours and creating varying length fringes. I also combed through the thread with a fine toothed comb to make it fluffy.

6. Slide onto faux leather and tie ends together .

Shoes

WHAT YOU NEED

Shoes- I used a pair of espadrilles with laces. You can use gladiator sandals or any other shoes with laces.

Pom Poms-These can also be easily DIY’d using yarn but they are very cheap and accessible from craft and stationary stores.

Eye pins- These are the small metal pins with loops at the top. They can either be bought from jewelry supply stores or you can make one yourself with jewelry wire and a round nosed pliers.

WHAT TO DO

1.Push the eye pin through the Centre of the pom poms.

2. Cut the excess length off the eye pin and using pliers make a loop at the other end. Note, it must be large enough to slide over the laces.

3. Slide the completed pom poms onto the laces at varying points.

An alternate way is using jewelry bales and gluing the pom poms on then sliding those on to the laces.

Bag Charm

WHAT YOU NEED

Bag- any style you wish, I chose a black square crossbows.

Tassels- you can make them the same way demonstrated above or use inexpensive ready made ones from a craft stores, like I am.

Pom Poms

Thread- I used embroidery thread since it was at hand. You can use rope or ribbon if you like.

WHAT TO DO

1. Make a loop and knot it.

2. Add an eye pin to the pom poms.

3. Slide onto thread and knot after each addition.

4. Add a jump ring to the top loop then add a keyring to the jump ring.

Bonus

I made this little cutie as a bonus. I’ve been seeing pom poms bag charms with eyes all over. This is great for a kid’s bag or for an adult with quirky taste.

I used a larger pom poms, added an eye pin and a jump ring at the top, then a keyring to that and glued on the googly eyes.

Whether you chose to DIY or buy, you’re sure to feel festive and trendy wearing tassels and pom poms.

Greenery was recently named the Pantone colour of 2017. For anyone who doesn’t know, this increasingly iconic and influential company has been selecting the colour of the year since 1999 and trends that follow often incorporate whatever tone they choose. This colour is described as a yellow-green although I personally find it to be more cool toned. It is a neutral green reminiscent of lush vegetation and I can see it working as an edgy eyeshadow colour, in a vibrant cushion fabric design or splashed onto an accent wall.

So we know what colour sets the tone for fashion and design this year but what else will be trending in 2017?

I have a list of ten fashion trends to look out for. This list is based on my review and perusing the 2017 runway shows. There are certainly more than ten trends but I chose the one I liked the best or that I saw most often, in other words it is not an exhaustive list. For a longer list you can check Fashionisers

1 ) SHEER FORCE

By this I mean sheer fabrics namely Tulle and Lace. While these fabrics always have their place every season, they are more prominent in 2017 with full tulle skirts and dresses made entirely of lace and beads.

Alexander McQueen Dior

2) TOPSY TURVY- Asymmetric Tops

Those cheeky cold shoulder, long sleeve tops that made a splash towards the end of 2016 were just the beginning. One shoulder tops, diagonal cut tops, will be really trending and I for one cannot wait. Who doesn’t love an asymmetrical top?

Moschino (top) Philosophy (bottom)

3) 1980’s

2016 definitely saw the return of mid 1990s fashion, with button front skirts and chokers a plenty and I was there for it. I still am. But let us step aside and give the 1980s some time to shine. Literally. We are talking lame, sequined leggings, neon colours and of course wide bold shoulders.

Hot pink, Fuchsia, Mauve. All the more grown up variations of the colour pink were seen on the runways. And what a beautiful time it is. Pink is an amazing colour because it literally matches all skin tones. Definitely get a splash of this in your wardrobe this year.

Oscar de la renta, Botegga Veneta, Balenciaga

5) KEEP IN LINE- Stripes

Horizontal, Vertical, Thick, Pinstripe. Bold. Every version of stripes will make an appearance. Stripes can be so versatile, it’s impossible not to find a style that suits you. White Pinstripes on your pantsuit for work or horizontal multicoloured stripes on a jersey dress for a sporty look.

Mulberry Proenza Schouler

6 ) FLOWER POWER

Again, floral prints will almost always be present in some form or fashion year after year. This year however the prints are more 1960s and 1970s inspired with simplified lighter coloured prints as well as more intricate English garden style patterns.

Balenciaga Zac Posen (top) Dole &Gabanna (bottom)

7 ) OXFORD STREET-Shirt fashion

2017 welcomes the era of the deconstructed and reconstructed Oxford shirt. This is by far one of my favourites. I love the idea of dismantling a crisp Oxford with all its implications of stiffness and conformity (I also happen to love a regular Oxford btw) and making it into something edgy and with attitude. In 2017, it’s all about the attitude.

Monse Off White

8 )BARE NECESSITIES

The bralet is no longer being hidden underneath an oversized tank top or relegated to a festival outfit. It is becoming way more widespread with many designers making the tops of their dresses into this style or creating pantsuits or skirt suits which incorporate bralets. This trend definitely takes some confidence as you will obviously be baring it all. But like I said, 2017 is all about having the right attitude so if you like it, wear it.

Victoria Beckham Alexander Wang (top) Altuzarra (bottom)

9) EXPLORER- Khaki

I call this: “The other neutral” (Black being the first one). I used to love khaki, in fact I used to have as much khaki as black in my wardrobe. Then I stopped wearing cargo pants, and suddenly…no more khaki. But seriously this time around khaki has come back savage being seen primarily in the form of trench coats and other beautifully designed jackets.

Culottes with their midi length wideness are here to make a statement. This style of pant has had a few moments in the limelight since their initial debut in the 1970s but this time the trend is hard to ignore being more ubiquitous than ever. Joining the culottes in the 2017 trend list is wide bottom pants. This style of pant had been very slowly seeping into popular fashion over the past few years but remained relegated to fashion bloggers and stylists who were more willing to take a chance. Now we can all jump aboard on this wearable trend.

Gucci Chloe

What trends do you like? What are you thinking of experimenting with?
Have an awesome day!

Hello, welcome to the second installment of the “Basics” series where I outline wardrobe essentials every girl needs to keep her afloat.

Today we discuss work wear. This is for persons who have a typical daytime, office job i.e no uniform or casual wear. As with the Casual Basics post this list is suggestive and meant to be supplemented by non-basic items.

TOPS

SHIRTS/BLOUSES
You should have about 6 (total) of these in both long and short sleeve. It’s best to start with neutrals e.g nude and beige then add a few colours e.g purple and navy and a print.

SHELL/SLEEVELESS

You need about 3 of these. They are great for layering.

JACKETS

1 black or other dark neutral e.g navy or grey very well-tailored jacket for days when you want to look more polished. (Side note: This can be the same jacket used for casual wear)

BOTTOMS

PANTS

LONG
You should have 3 pairs of pants, 2 neutrals e.g khaki, grey or black and 1 colour or patterned one.

CROPPED
You should have 1 pair of cropped pants. This is a statement style so I recommend a bright statement colour or pattern.

SKIRTS

ABOVE KNEE

3 knee length (or slightly above knee).1 flare (with pleats) and 1 straight or body con and one other style e.g fit and flare or A-line. Neutrals or dark colours are more versatile.

BELOW KNEE/MIDI

1 below knee skirt is recommended. A nice pencil or pleated style in a neutral colour hitting at the calf adds sophistication to any outfit.

DRESSES

You need 2 knee length dresses. 1 should be a dark neutral such as black or grey in a nice fitted but well-tailored style. The other can be any colour but a darker jewel tones are nicest and most flexible e.g. aubergine or forest green.

I hope this gives some ideas for work wear basics. With these items in your repertoire you will always have something suitable for work. Your shoes, bag and jewellery will complete your looks.

I have listed all the items pictured below.

Thank you for reading and stay tuned for the next installment which is on Shoe Basics.
Have an awesome day!

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Hello all, happy new year! I wish joy, peace and success to everyone in 2016 and beyond.

Today’s post is the first of a four-part series entitled “Basics” where I outline basic wardrobe items every girl should have.

In this post I’ll be aDRESSing (bad dum ching) basic casual wear which entails the stuff you wear when you go to the movies, dinner, shopping, hang out etc… basically everyday wear.

If you invest in a few basic pieces you will ALWAYS have something to wear. I HATE when my friends and I do something spontaneous and I go to pick out something and end up sitting on a pile of clothes I’ve dragged out of my closets almost in tears cause “I have nothing to wear”.

Having these basics almost entirely eliminates this occurrence. This list is not meant to be exhaustive but rather suggestive and is based on the premise that you will add some “non-basics” to compliment your basic wardrobe.

Let’s get to it!

TOPS

CAMIS/TANKS

You’ll need about 3 of these in neutrals e.g. black, white, grey. These are excellent for layering as well as on their own.

TEES

Some basic tees with either a cap sleeve or half sleeve depending on your preference. You’ll also need about 3 of these in neutrals. They are also good for layering but fine on their own.

SHIRTS/BLOUSES

Something with some sleeves and buttons. These are useful for a more conservative or formal look as well as great for layering. I recommend 2 neutral blouses e.g. black and white as well as a plaid(flannel) and a denim shirt , two timeless styles.

JACKET

(This doesn’t include winter jackets). You need 1 jacket. A nice fitted one with a good cut and made from luxuriant material. I recommend either a neutral such as black or tan or a deep jewel tone such as emerald, royal purple or navy.

BOTTOMS

SKIRTS
You need 3 skirts.

MAXI

Get this in a neutral e.g black or tan. It’s great for a boho vibe and can be paired with any of the basic tops mentioned above.

MINI/MIDI

Get this in a body con style. It’s great to dress up for an evening on the town or dress down for a daytime look.

FLARE

A short(ish) flared skirt for a more dressed up fun look. This can be great in black or maybe a bold print that can be easily matched with a lot of different tops.

PANTS

SHORT

2 of these: 1 denim pair and 1 neutral e.g. khaki or black.

JEANS/JEGGINGS

You should have 2 pairs: 1 well fitted pair of blue jeans with whatever wash you prefer (I find a dark wash matches well with most things) and 1 other colour either another blue pair with a different wash or black. Jeans can withstand a day out as well as clean up nicely for night time looks.

LEGGINGS

These are a staple. You can be safe with 3 pairs in dark tones e.g. black,grey and navy. Leggings can be dressed down for a super casual day or vamped up for evening. They are great lounging wear, travel wear and can even be used as active wear.

DRESSY

1 pair. I recommend a neutral like black or white or a statement print that has many matching options.This is the kind of pant you can do a wide leg with or a super fitted bottom with heels for that elegant look.

DRESSES

SHORT

I recommend 2 short dresses. One fit and flare and a more fitted body con dress. Cannot go wrong with black but other dark colours are equally versatile.

MEDIUM
This is for when you want to feel a little more conservative like maybe having brunch with your grandparents or attending a church function. This kind of dress could work in a neutral tone but would be great either in a bright colour such as aqua or coral or maybe a floral print. A medium length dress would look nice with a fuller skirt but can work with a pencil fit as well, depends on your style.

LONG

A maxi length dress for comfort as well as bringing the drama. Great in black or another dark colour e.g. navy or maroon.

This list contains a lot of neutrals right? Black. White. Grey. That’s the point. With these basics you can now build your wardrobe. You can glam up or glam down each piece based on the accessories used making each piece stretch.

Having basics saves money. Instead of buying something new to wear each time you go out, you can open your closet and realise the almost endless options available. Usually adding just one new item e.g a pair of earrings or a belt and you have an entirely reinvented outfit!

Keep posted (you can follow my blog) for the continuation of this series. The next topic is Basics Work wear and will be posted in one week’s time.
Thank you for reading and have an awesome day!